Donald Trump has been on a tear since being inaugurated. But that momentum has been stopped dead in its tracks.
Because Trump just fell to his knees once this devastating test result landed on his Oval Office desk.
Trump’s Approval Ratings Plummet Amid Tariff Controversy
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have taken a sharp dive, according to a wave of new polls released on Sunday, marking some of the lowest public support for a president in their first 100 days since World War II.
The surveys, conducted by major outlets including CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, and the New York Times, paint a picture of growing public discontent, largely tied to Trump’s aggressive tariff policies targeting America’s major trading partners.
A Steep Decline in Public Support
The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll delivered a particularly stark result, showing Trump’s approval at just 39%, with 55% of respondents disapproving of his performance. This marks the lowest approval rating for any president in their first 100 days since 1945.
For comparison, eight years ago, the same poll gave Trump a 42% approval rating, while former President Joe Biden maintained higher approval until public frustration over the Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021.
Other polls echo this downward trend. CBS News/YouGov and NBC News both reported a 45% approval rating, while the New York Times/Siena College poll recorded 42%. CNN’s survey was the most critical, placing Trump’s approval at 41%—the lowest for a president at the 100-day mark since Dwight Eisenhower in 1953. Notably, NBC found that 42% of Americans “strongly disapprove” of Trump’s performance, compared to just 26% who “strongly approve.”
Tariffs at the Heart of the Storm
Pollsters point to Trump’s tariff announcements as the primary driver of his declining popularity. The president has championed these trade policies as a way to boost American manufacturing and reduce income taxes, particularly for those earning less than $200,000 annually.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump declared, “When Tariffs cut in, many people’s Income Taxes will be substantially reduced, maybe even completely eliminated,” adding that the policies would spark a “BONANZA” of job creation with “new plants and factories currently being built or planned.”
However, the public appears skeptical. According to the NBC poll, only 39% approve of Trump’s handling of trade policy. CBS/YouGov reported a significant drop in support for tariffs, from 52% last November to just 41% now. Financial markets have also reacted nervously, contributing to public unease about the economic fallout.
Economic Concerns Weigh Heavily
The economy remains a top priority for voters, and Trump’s economic approval rating has slipped to 39%, only marginally better than Biden’s rating a year ago, per the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. YouGov/CBS found that 48% of adults feel Trump’s policies are worsening their financial situation, compared to 19% who feel better off. NBC’s survey revealed similar sentiments, with 34% reporting a decline in their financial well-being versus 22% who see improvement.
Despite these challenges, Trump retains an edge over congressional Democrats, whose approval rating lags at 30%, according to the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. The president has acknowledged public frustration, admitting that his trade policies have made people “yippy” but insisting they are essential for revitalizing American industry and securing long-term economic growth.
A Loyal Base Holds Firm
While Trump’s overall approval has faltered, his support among Republicans remains robust, with nearly 90% backing him. The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that only 6% of Trump voters regret their choice, compared to 94% who stand by their decision.
On specific issues, Trump fares better. His immigration policies, including efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, enjoy 56% approval according to CBS/YouGov, with NBC reporting a 49% approval rating on the issue.
No Honeymoon for Trump
Unlike most presidents, who enjoy a brief honeymoon period of high approval upon taking office, Trump’s ratings have declined rapidly. In late January, his approval stood at around 50%, according to the RealClearPolitics polling aggregate. However, as the 100-day mark approaches on Tuesday, his numbers have fallen faster than those of most predecessors.
Trump plans to mark his 100th day in office with a rally in Macomb County, Michigan, a symbolic gesture to rally his base amid the challenging polling landscape.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
